The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1887-01-14

one, out Two OF those beautiful peaches. But
howf That was the question that puzzled
me. The servants in attendance kept the
strictest watch upon the basket, for NJ. Tabo-
raud, the director, had reserved for himself
the pleasure OF offering to a privileged few
this product of Cheviet's Industry.
From time to time, at sign from him,
the head waiter would take peach, daintiy
cut in two, and present the halves TO the per
sons designated. l grecdily watched the
economical arrangement, and ircmblingly
saw tie pyramid grow smaller and smaller.
However, when The feast was over and the
guests recalled TO the dancing hall by pre-
Jude from the orchestra, the instructions had
been SO discreetly carried out that there still
remained halfdozen or so of the wonderful
fruit lying embedded In their nest of leaves.
VI went with the crowd, of course, but it
was false sortie, for had purposely left my
hat behind mc-.a tall stovc-pipe, which had
occasioned me world oftrouble all through
the evening. Under the pretext Of regain
ing II | could return to The sale, and perhaps,
Tor was well known to the domeslcs of the
house, obtain n peach. When | re entered
inc room the walters were engaged in carry
lug to the pantry the remnants of the spread.
AT certain moment found myself entirely
alone aud near the buffet, upon which had
been placed the dish Of fruit. There was not
second to lose. approached the basket,
and, quick as lightning, rolled two OF the
peaches into the crown of my hat, adroity
covering them with my hand.
Carefully holding the hat against my
breast returned 10 the ball room, my in
tenlion being to cross it quietly and slip
away like the English, and when once outside
to run every step of the way home.
ut was not rs easy to do this rs had an
ticlpRted, for they were beginning the cotillon,
and all around the grand salon there was a
double row of black coats and wall.fowers,
surrounding third row formed by the chairs
OF the dancers; and in the middle of this
third ring great empty space in which the
couples of the cotilion would waltz. eau
tiously insinuating myself between the groups
glided around the chairs with the noiscless
flexibility of the serpent dreading at every
step that some unwary elbow would strike
the hat and dislodge the spells. Icould dis
tncily feel the tossing about of the peaches
as walked along.
AT last, after deal of trouble and innum-
cradle scares, entered the space just OPP
posite the door of entrance as they were form
ing the "coquet figure A lady was in the |
centre Of the ring, the gentlemen clustering |
in circle around her. AS you know, when |
the cavalier presents himself with whom |
she wishes to waltz, she places u hat which |
she holds in her hand upon his head and |
away they Co.
"rhe lady in the centre of the room was |
Mile. Taboraud, the daughter of my chief. | |
had scarcely taken step across the floor |
when she saw me and came running towards |
me.
"'Yuu are just in the nick oflime, NJ. Her
beloi,' said She; quick give us your hat
And before | could escape or slammer a pro-
test the hat was whskcd from my hand and |
those Internal first of the seasons spinning |
over the floor. Imagine the tableau The |
dancers Uttered, the Director frowned, the |
wall flowers exclaimed, and Mile Taboraud |
was transfixed Red as beet, and with my
teeth claltering with moral chill, stood
like fool, the cynosurc of all eyes
Take back your hat, M. Herbelot,' said
The lady ut last, in voice chokrd with emo
ton, and pick up your peaches
AT this the people, no longer able to re-
strain themselves, burst into fits of laughter.
Even the domesiics joined in the mcrrimeut.
Haggard and s,ammering with confusion |
hastily fled from the salon.
THE next day the story was all over town,
and when | entered the office was greeted
with shouts of Pick up your peaches, NJ. Her
bclol take back your hat !! 1t was unbeara-
bic, and it was the same thing in the street.
Everywhere | went | was pointed at and
followed with the moCking chorus.
The town was untcnuble. Eight days
from that fatal night resigned from the office
and entered upon course of farming as as
sisan, to my wfes uncle, who owned u place
in the cnvirons of my own native city. With
Il better liking for the calling ola farmer than
| had ever Ind for official documents, it was
but little while before had become u
creditallc agriculturist. In fact, the land
SD wei in my hands that the old
gentleman left it to us in his will. Since
then have constantly enlarged my enterprise
until now am at the satisfactory stage in
which you see me-"
BY this time We had reached the farm of
Chauterainc. Entering by the orchard way
we passed through row after row Of fruit trees,
heavy with apples, pears and ounces, AT
the extremity of the enclosure a billy slope
rolled to the waters edge, covered with net
work of vines and masses Of rpcning grapes.
The Clatter of machinery to the left indicated
the granary. To the right was the farm
house, the white walls cheerfully shining
through an espalier Of loaded peach trees.
"Thc most of my attention is devoted to
peaches, as you see" said llerbclot, as we
passed through the gate az owe to them the
happiness of my life"
Never the less, my dear" cIitd a laughing
voice behind the lattice, Happiness isn't al
ways the result of stealing peaches.
tie French.